As summer heats up and the mercury soars, a certain region is enjoying a rise of its own. More than a Mediterranean enclave, the Adriatic Sea is welcoming a brace of new hotels thanks to the aptly named Adriatic Luxury Hotels (ALH). One of the foremost hotspots is Croatia’s Dubrovnik, which is enjoying a renaissance of new hotels and eateries.

The Dalmatian city became a UNESCO Heritage Site in the late '70s and has more than sublime weather and an enticing coastline to draw in discerning visitors. Hotel Dubrovnik Palace was treated to an extensive renovation across all 308 rooms and suites last year. Vaunting itself as Dubrovnik’s finest five-star resort, the hotel’s new look has been designed to complement the dramatic coastline.

The beach at Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik

The grand property offers a wellness and spa centre, a range of gastronomic options and sea views from every room. The boutique Hotel Bellevue re-opened even more recently in March. The 91-room retreat offers a unique vantage point on a secluded cliff-side, with its own private beach and Energy Clinic Spa. Even more exclusive, Villa Orsula (pictured below) offers just 11 rooms and two suites, in addition to fine dining venue, Victoria Restaurant.

Event-wise, Ana in the City Festival returns this month, promising a vast array of cultural nightlife and gastronomic treats. Then September brings Dubrovnik in Late Summer, hosted by Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra “in order to keep the presence of music and cultural vibrancy” after July’s Dubrovnik Summer Festival.

Dubrovnik is also enjoying newfound fame as one of the filming locations of HBO's Game of Thrones. The stunning city is the heart of the show and used to film all scenes in the fictional King's Landing.

The exterior of Villa Orsula